Once in a Lifetime (l.s)

Introduction Pt. 2

This is another kind of intro to the story. Setting up the storyline and stuff. It'll be short like the last one.

Louis' POV

I think I've been sitting in my car for 15 minutes. I can't bring myself to go in yet. I'm sitting in the parking garage, staring out my front windshield, pushing back having to go inside as much as I can. The thought of how bad this could go is sitting in the front of my mind.

What if he won't even look at me. Or even worse, what if he looks at me like he hates me. I don't know if I could handle that.

I am excited to see the boys as a whole though. I was excited to hear that Zayn is actually coming today too. It makes me happy that he's in a good place right now, especially with what he went through those years in the beginning. Niall is probably bouncing with energy, he's always been the one to express how much he's wanted a reunion over the hiatus. Liam too, he seemed excited this morning on the phone. Even though I didn't exactly register the words coming out of his mouth, I remember the tone of his voice.

I have no idea what Harry is thinking. I wonder if he can't stop thinking about me too or if he's already forgotten about me. It would be understandable, I wouldn't blame him.

I look at my phone and realize I don't have anymore time to stall. After a final deep breath I grab my keys, slide my phone in my pocket, and hop out of the car. As I walk into the building I'm met with the same environment from 5 years ago. It was easy to forget this place after it was clear the hiatus wasn't just going to last 18 months. It's a dull building.

I nod to the receptionist and she gives me a bright smile in response. I continue through the building, occasionally giving friendly nods or greetings to people passing by. I turn the corner and press the up button on the elevator, walking into the first one that opens. I press the floor number for our meeting and as the doors are about to close I hear that same loud, thick irish voice I've actually missed a lot.

"Tomlinson! Hold the doors!" I put my hand over one of the elevator doors as the now brunette man comes bounding towards the elevators.

I'm almost toppled over by Niall, who brings me into a huge hug as his laugh fills the space. I hug him back and can't help but smile. He tends to have that effect on people, always making them happy when he's around. He claps me on the back one more time as I feel the elevator start to move.

"Sorry lad, I just missed you." He says as he releases me.

"I missed you too, Niall." I did, I really did.

"So, how's life been?" Wrong question to ask, mate. Wrong question.

"Uh, it's been pretty fucking sucky mate." I've never been one to sugarcoat things. My life since the hiatus began, just continued to go downhill as time went on. First my mum passed, I was really lucky to have the boys still there. They all came to the funeral. When Fiz died, I invited them all to the funeral and only Liam showed. I guess I understand them having other things going on, but I didn't even get a response from the other three of them. "But I guess that's just what life throws at you sometimes."

Niall scratches the back of his neck, feeling the sudden uncomfortable energy in the air. My intention wasn't to make him feel bad, but is it bad that I think he should?

Niall clears his throat. "I know this probably doesn't make up for any of it, but I am really sorry. About Fizzy. I should have been there."

I know Niall. You should have.

"It's fine Niall, we don't need to talk about this now." I nod and bring my gaze to the floor.

A few moments later, the elevator chimes and the doors open. Niall hesitates but strides out and down the hall. I follow, but a bit behind him. I still have the bad feeling in my gut. The one you get when you know something is about to go wrong. Niall turns the corner ahead and I hear him loudly greeting the boys.